"(I) got out toward the end and the ice actually caved in. I was in the water and punching through the ice trying to get to the dog," Brandon Kilby said. Kilby was the one who rescued the dog from the lake.

It took crews about 20 minutes to rescue the dog. Firefighters said the 1-year-old husky mix named Ali was conscious.

Jose said he thought Ali was close to giving up. “It was pretty scary. There was one point when she stopped completely,” he said.

The rescue team is compiled of firefighters from Hebron, Union and Florence counties and Erlanger.

Crews said they just had water training last week. The firefighters had to use ice suits to rescue Ali.

“I don't know what words to say to show the appreciation to what (Kilby) did today. It was a big deal for us,” Jose said. He said Ali was tired and hungry but doing fine.

Firefighters said residents need to be mindful of their pets in the winter and to avoid icy ponds or streams as they are likely not completely frozen yet.